Job Opportunity for Medical entomologist
_Looking for a chance to work as a medical entomologist in the fields of malaria & arboviruses in an endemic country? _
The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNG IMR) is one of the leading biomedical research institutes in the developing world and for over 40 years has conducted research into the health problems of the people of Papua New Guinea. Major, already well established research programs include malaria, respiratory diseases, HIV & STIs, enteric diseases, sexual health and women’s health, thus addressing the major health problems of not only Papua New Guinea but other developing regions.
As part of its Vector Borne Disease Unit, the PNGIMR maintains a field entomology unit that been conducting field based entomological studies for over 25 year in the areas of malaria and filariasis. As part of the unit the PNGIMR has recently built up high-throughput capacity for PCR-based identification of Anopheline mosquitoes and molecular diagnosis of mosquito infections with malaria and filarial parasites.
Over the next 12 months the PNGIMR plans to extend its entomology section and start new projects in the areas of:
- the ecology of Anopheline vectors and their contribution to transmission of malaria & filariasis - evaluation of the PNG national insecticide- treated bednet (ITN) program - studies into to the transmission of Arboviruses in different parts of PNG
In order to conduct these studies and supervise the entomology unit in Madang, Papua New Guinea we are currently looking for an enthusiastic: Post-Doctoral Fellow: Medical Entomology with experience in field based entomology in a tropical setting. Prior experience in malaria or arbovirus research as well as PCR-based methodology would be beneficial but not a prerequisite for this position.
The successful applicant(s) will be expected to set up and supervise entomological field studies in the areas of malaria and arboviruses and build local capacity by training a group of Papua New Guinean laboratory technicians and honours/masters students. In addition, the post-doctoral fellow will be expected to develop a research agenda in the fields of field-based medical entomology and/or molecular identification of mosquito vectors and diagnostic of malarial and arbovirus infections in mosquitos, participate in the analyses and publication of results from studies involving the entomology unit and engage with other research groups at the PNGIMR and overseas.
Remuneration for this 3 year position will be in accordance with PNG public service salary scales. The successful applicant is expected to start work on Feb 1st 2007. The position is based in Madang, Papua New Guinea. However extended stays at other IMR sites in Goroka and Maparik for field and laboratory work are likely and a willingness to travel both domestically and internationally is required.
This position offers the unique opportunity to conduct cutting edge research involving an innovative molecular entomology technology in a stimulating, collaborative environment and contribute towards alleviating the burden placed by malaria, arboviral and other vector-borne diseases on people in Papua New Guinea and beyond.
For further information, job description and selection criteria, please contact:
Prof Peter Siba Director PNG Institute of Medical Research P.O. Box 60 Goroka EHP 441 Papua New Guinea
Tel. +675 732 2800 Fax +675 732 1998 E-mail: .
For further background information contact:Dr. Ivo Mueller Scientific Head Vector Borne Disease Unit PNG Institute of Medical Research P.O. Box 60 Goroka EHP 441 Papua New Guinea
Tel. +675 852 2962 Fax +675 852 3289 Email:
